Joe Marler Reveals Sweet Reason Behind Celebrity Gladiator Transformation

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Joe Marler Reveals Sweet Reason Behind Celebrity Gladiator Transformation

24.08.2026 24 August 2026
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2 min.
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Marler Enters Gladiator Arena

Former England rugby star Joe Marler has revealed that his young son helped inspire his move into the Gladiators arena.

Marler, who also appeared on The Traitors, will join the BBC series as a permanent Gladiator called Mauler when the show returns to BBC One and iPlayer in 2027.

Unlike celebrity guests, he will become part of the regular cast taking on contestants.

The former rugby player said his children are big fans of the programme, particularly his youngest son, whose reaction to meeting Nitro, played by British sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, convinced him of the show's appeal.

“My kids love it, particularly my youngest boy.”

Marler recalled that his son, who is usually shy around other people, confidently approached Nitro when he spotted him. The experience helped make Marler's decision easy when he was later invited to become a Gladiator.

Known for his physical playing style, distinctive mohican and outspoken personality, Marler earned 95 England caps during his rugby career.

However, preparing for Gladiators has presented a different challenge. Since retiring from rugby, he has been working to get into shape for the show's famously tight costumes.

Marler even asked producers whether Mauler could become the first Gladiator to wear baggier clothing, but the request was turned down.

He is now training and has already started filming in Sheffield ahead of the 2027 series.

The revived Gladiators, hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh, returned in 2024. It follows the legacy of the original British version, once fronted by figures including Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu.

Sam Thompson and Joe Wicks have previously appeared in celebrity editions.

Marler's arrival follows several recent cast changes, with Giant, Bionic, Athena and Cyclone all leaving the programme in recent months as the BBC introduces replacements.

MARLER Joseph

English former rugby union player
#78
JONSSON Ulrika

Swedish-British television presenter
#1073
THOMPSON Sam

English television personality
#830
WALSH Bradley

English actor
#642
WICKS Joseph

British fitness coach
#676
AIKINES-ARYEETEY Harry

English former Commonwealth sprinter
#681
FASHANU John

English television presenter
#684
WALSH Barney

English actor and television presenter
#690
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

#1
BBC One

#6
BBC iPlayer

#16

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Section: culture

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